Abstract: Brown dwarfs are objects within the mass range between giant planets and
low-mass stars. Observations show a lack of these objects orbiting solar-type
stars compared to planets and stellar companions, known as the brown dwarf
desert. Currently there are no conclusive explanations of this desert, and
whether these objects form more like giant planets or low-mass stars is still
undetermined. Constraining formation mechanisms of specific brown dwarf
systems
is crucial in understanding the creation of both planets and stars. Using the
speckle imaging of NESSI at WIYN, we will constrain the multiplicity of several
brown dwarf and giant planet host stars that show long-term linear trends in
their radial velocity data, suggesting the presence of a stellar companion.
With
the high-spatial resolution of NESSI, we will be able to characterize the
orbital dynamics of these systems and determine their impact on present
formation theories. Results from this study will create a unique sample with
high-resolution radial velocity and imaging data to address current
uncertainties in the formation of giant planets and brown dwarfs.